I just got a great deal on a fork for my cruiser but, the steer tube is coming up a little short. About 13-14mm short of the top of the clamp part of the stem. Changing to a low stack height headset like the Crank Bros. would take about 10mm off of the overall stack height and put things right at the 3mm distance below the top of the stem clamp area that is recommended. So here are my questions...

1. Crank Bros. website strongly recommends the the frame be reamed and faced prior to install. Is this really needed?

2. Is the Crank Bros. Directset a good product?

3. Is there another way? A stem with a very low stack height?

Thanks for reading. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Dan

Crank brothers makes excellent products. I have a direct set on one of my older mountain bikes and it fits and functions great. Every headset manufacturer is going to recommend facing and reaming the head tube before install. If your headtube is already faced and in good shape you shouldn't have to worry about it. The direct set installs just like any other headset would. If you're looking to lower stack height it's definitely the way to go.

Thanks for the info. I bought a Crank Bros. Opium directset. I installed it with a rubber mallet and some patience. Everything went together very smoothly. Installed it feels much smoother and has a lighter action than my stock Cane Creek. Now if someone would make a dirt-skirt for 1 1/8" forks.